Seven players could miss Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest as Mikel Arteta injury issue clear

Arsenal could be missing as many as six players as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta has been working with a limited group during the international break, with the bulk of his squad away with their respective countries.

Some have stayed behind to work on their recovery, with something of an injury crisis already having hit the squad so early on in the season. Arsenal have lost players to afflictions in every single game they have played so far, despite having only played three matches.

Thankfully, it has not damaged their competitiveness too greatly, although Arteta would have liked to have gone to Anfield at full power, but alas, it was not the case. Thankfully, the signing of eight players in the summer transfer window has aided the struggles of last season, where Arsenal topped the injury table with 27 separate issues, many to key players.

Ahead of the weekend, however, Arteta could be preparing to be again without as many as six. There is some good news that Ben White is understood to be making big strides in his recovery.

Taken off against Manchester United on the opening day, the right-back has been covered well by Jurrien Timber. White might even struggle to break back into the team, but could target the Champions League and League Cup matches to help his reintegration.

Christian Norgaard remains out and has yet to make his debut. Asked by football.london after the win at Old Trafford for an update, Arteta had said the Dane had suffered a small problem but hasn’t provided more details.

Bukayo Saka is also recovering from a hamstring problem he experienced on matchday two. While he, too, is thought to be making good progress, the weekend could come too soon for him.

French media reported that William Saliba would be missing for two to three weeks after his ankle injury against Liverpool. Arteta confirmed he twisted it during the warm-up and couldn’t play beyond the opening minutes of the game.

While the claims across the channel still need to be confirmed, and football.london understanding that the reality is thought to be different, Cristhian Mosquera has already proven to be a suitable replacement. The Frenchman is unlikely to be rushed back, especially with Manchester City’s visit just over a week away.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are out with long term issues as they both target returns before the end of the year, the latter sooner than his strike partner. While Nottingham Forest are still without Nicolas Dominguez who suffered a serious meniscus injury and has not been given a return date.

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